SONY PROFOTO AWARDS
Capetonian Dale Yudelman was among the top professional photographers who were honored at the Sony Profoto Awards held recently in Sandton, Johannesburg. Yudelman, who lives and works in Cape Town, won six awards - including Gold’s in the Advertising and Fine Art categories. His series of images , “ i am…” was awarded ‘Professional Portfolio of the Year’
At a gala dinner, attended by many luminaries in the photographic industry, 152 single entries were awarded gold, silver and bronze certificates in 16 different categories, and 140 portfolios were awarded gold, silver and bronze certificates in the professional and student categories. The Profoto Awards, the only competition for all categories of professional photography in Southern Africa, is a combined effort of Sony South Africa and the Professional Photographers of Southern Africa (PPSA) to promote professional photographers, and to acknowledge their talents and dedication.
This years awards attracted the largest number of participants since its inception in 1989, with more than 4 000 images being submitted, fully justifying its reputation as the most prestigious and influential photographic competition on the continent. Also, for the first time in the competition’s history, entrants had to register online and post their photographs digitally which enabled judges to view and judge entries anywhere in the world. Four international judges formed part of the judging team, which comprised specialists in various fields. According to PPSA President, Pieter de Ras, the 2008 Profoto Awards came at the right time, as many photographers hadn’t had the opportunity to have their work judged by their peers and only the best have made it to the top.”
Following the awards ceremony, the finalists’ images will be exhibited at shopping malls in Johannesburg and Cape Town, where members of the public will be able to view the work of Southern Africa’s top photographic talent. From 21 to 28 April, the winning 2008 Profoto Awards images will be on show in the Banking Mall Court at Sandton City, and will also be exhibited in the Upper Stuttafords Court at Canal Walk, Cape Town from 26 May to 1 June. These images will also be promoted in leading print publications, as well as on the internet